NGC-253 The biggest galaxy in Sculptor

[nandopg]

Hi all,
I am exploring the Sculptor group of galaxies and NGC-253 is the first image I have finished the post-processing. Actually this is my second attempt on this galaxy; the first one was not that good then I decided to wait for a better condition to redo the job.

Detail:

The image: 40 frames of 5 minutes each using ASA 800
Camera: Canon Rebel XT 350 modified (Hutech)
Scope: LX-200 10" Classic on a Meade Super-Wedge
Focus: Off-Axis from Taurus Technologies with a 6.3 focal reducer installed.
Guiding: None
Software: ImagePlus for image capture and image calibration (darks, flats and bias). MaxDL for DDP and initial post-processing. Photoshop CS.2 for post-processing.
I hope you enjoy and thank you for looking.

Fernando.

PS: NGC-300 coming soon

[Dennis]

Hello, Fernando

Very nice work, a beautiful image. In your notes you mention Taurus Technologies who make OAG’s – did you manually guide this image?

Cheers

Dennis

[nandopg]

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for the compliment. No Dannis I haven't guided at all to capture this image, although the Taurus OAG has a nice off-axis port for guiding.

Best Regards,

Fernando

[jase]

Good work Fernando. You've captured hints of its barred spiral structure. Well done.

[h0ughy]

nice work Mate! no guiding - wow!!

[Garyh]

Nice Fernando!!
Another WOW...I can`t get 5 min unguided with my GM-8
Impressive
Look forwards to your NGC 300
Did NGC 55 myself last night!
cheers

[RB]

Nice work Fernando, well done.
Looking forward to more.

RB

[Dr Nick]

Beautiful image! ;)
i love it!

[nandopg]

Hi guys,
Thank you all for the feedback. To be able to track for 5 minutes keeping the stars reasonably round all I do is a fine polar alignment using the drift method, that guarantees a star centered in my crosshairs eyepiece for at least 40 minutes under, in my case, a typical 200x power.
It is true that sometimes the alignment takes 5 to 6 hours to complete, but I think it is a worthful time investment. I repeat this routine each 2 months or so.

Thanks again,

Fernando

[nandopg]

Hi all,
I was testing my Skywatcher 4" f/10 achromatic refractor piggybacked to the LX-200 and did this image of NGC-253 using the achro.

I am mazed with the quality of the image with such a low end telescope. I did also lots of tests imaging nebulas and other galaxies and all the results were much better than I was expecting.

Thanks for looking,

Fernando

[ballaratdragons]

That's a great result for the Achro, Fernando.

I tried my 120mm Achro Guidescope last week for imaging. I too was suprised at the quality of modern Achro's!
Big Glass imaging is available to anyone now :thumbsup:
(an IR/UV filter helps of course)

Even the Skywatcher 150mm beast is only about AU$825. http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-142

[Ric]

A lovely and detailed image Fernando and well presented as well.

Nice work